The debt ceiling debate has been a joke - a crisis manufactured by the Republicans and used to take this country hostage and make irrational ransom demands - cuts that only hurt the poor, middle class, senior citizens, children, disabled and yet no shared sacrifice from wealthy individuals and corporations earning record profits while still taking subsidies from the government.

It has been truly depressing and uninspiring, hence the lack of writing since that terrible day in January.

Yesterday, however, I was inspired again by an amazing woman, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who insisted on being in Washington DC to cast her vote for the debt ceiling bill; who received a thunderous ovation when she appeared; who has made a truly remarkable recovery; who is an inspiration to all.

As we enter this critical time leading to the 2012 elections, I will do my part to share what I know, what I think and hopefully inspire others to learn more, to get involved, to open their minds to different opinions, and most of all, to VOTE DEMOCRAT IN 2012!